Basis for the geological heritage management in the Azores

Transcription

Revista da Gestão Costeira Integrada 14(2):301-319 (2014)
Journal of Integrated Coastal Zone Management 14(2):301-319 (2014)
http://www.aprh.pt/rgci/pdf/rgci-484_Lima.pdf | DOI:10.5894/rgci484
Basis for the geological heritage management in the
Azores Archipelago (Portugal) *
Bases para a gestão do património geológico no
arquipélago dos Açores (Portugal)
Eva Almeida Lima @, 1, 2, 3, João Carlos Nunes 1, 2, Manuel Paulino Costa 4, 2 , Marisa Machado 2
Abstract
The Azores archipelago, with a peculiar geodynamic setting, presents a huge geodiversity and important geological heritage, being
considered a natural laboratory of volcanic geodiversity.
In the last decade, the geodiversity and geological heritage of the Azores archipelago is being inventoried, characterized, quantified,
protected and promoted. Nowadays there are identified and characterized 121 geosites distributed through the nine islands and the
surrounding seafloor. These geosites network ensure the representativeness of the Azorean geodiversity and reflects its geological and
eruptive history with about 10 million years. Among the geosites, 57 were selected as priorities for the development of geoconservation
strategies and implementation of promotion actions.
The analysis of the geosites included two main phases: a qualitative and a quantitative assessment, integrating the geological
characterization, geomorphological and volcanological categorization, analysis of their relevance, identification of the potential type
of use in each geosite, its scientific value and other associated values. The efforts resulted recognition of 6 geosites with international
relevance [e.g. the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the Caldera of Furnas volcano (São Miguel island), the Pico Mountain (Pico island), the Caldera
and Furna do Enxofre (Graciosa island), the Capelinhos volcano and Costado da Nau (Faial island) and Algar do Carvão volcanic pit
(Terceira island)] and 52 geosites of national relevance. Besides its scientific value, most of the geosites have a relevant educational and
geotouristic value. It is noteworthy that 93 geosites integrate the Regional Network of Protected Areas, lying under the management of
the Island Natural Parks and the Marine Park.
The volcanic landscapes of the Azores have been promoted since the late twentieth century, especially for tourism campaigns, however
since the begining of the work studies of the geological heritage of the archipelago in 2007, has also been promoted regionally, nationally
and internationally.
The terrestrial geosites are monitored, focusing on the state of geosite, its geological conditions and the public characterization.
Monitoring began in late 2013, pending the first results by the end of 2014.
@ - Corresponding author
1 - Geosciences Department,Azores University, Campus de Ponta Delgada, Apartado 1422, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada (Portugal), e-mails: Lima - evalima@
uac.pt; Nunes - [email protected]
2 - Azores Geopark [[email protected]], Centro de Empresas, Rua do Pasteleiro, s/n, 9900-069 Horta (Portugal), e-mails: Machado - marisamachado@
azoresgeopark.com
3 - Geology Centre of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto (Portugal)
4 - Pico Island Natural Park, Regional Secretariat of Natural Resources, Lajido de Santa Luzia, 9940 São Roque do Pico (Portugal). e-mail: Costa - manuel.
[email protected]
* Submission: 8 January 2014; Evaluation: 8 February 2014; Reception of revised manuscript: 27 May 2014; Accepted: 28 May 2014; Available on-line: 11 June 2014
Lima et al.
Revista de Gestão Costeira Integrada / Journal of Integrated Coastal Zone Management 14(2):301-319 (2014)
The recognition of the value of the Azorean geological heritage effectively occurs with its integration in the European and Global
Geoparks Network, under the auspices of the UNESCO, in march 2013, being the first truly archipelagic geopark, with the motto “9
islands - 1 geopark” “ where people can enjoy eruptions of flavours,smells and experiences”.
With the mentioned background, there are established the basis for the definition of a methodology for the management of the
geological heritage of the archipelago, in order to be compatible the usufruct and geoconservation, to be possible to maintain the quality
of the geosites and pass this important legacy for future generations.
Keywords: geological heritage, geoconservation, management, Azores Geopark.
Resumo
O arquipélago dos Açores, com um enquadramento geodinâmico singular, apresenta uma enorme geodiversidade e importante património
geológico, sendo considerado um laboratório natural de geodiversidade vulcânica.
Nos últimos anos têm vindo a ser desenvolvidos estudos e ações de valorização do património geológico do arquipélago, estando, atualmente,
identificados e caracterizados 121 geossítios distribuídos pelas nove ilhas e fundos marinhos envolventes, que garantem a representatividade da
geodiversidade dos Açores e reflectem a sua história geológica e eruptiva de cerca de 10 milhões de anos. Destes, 57 geossítios foram selecionados
como prioritários para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de geoconservação e para implementação de ações de valorização.
A análise dos geossítios incluiu duas fases principais: uma avaliação qualitativa e uma avaliação quantitativa, integrando a caracterização
geológica, categorização geomorfológica e vulcanológica, análise da relevância, a identificação do potencial tipo de uso em cada geossítio, seu valor
científico e outros valores associados. Dos trabalhos desenvolvidos resultaram o reconhecimento de 6 geossítios com relevância internacional [e.g.
Dorsal Atlântica, a Caldeira do vulcãodas Furnas (ilha de São Miguel), a Montanha do Pico (ilha do Pico) a Caldeira e Furna do Enxofre (ilha
Graciosa), o Vulcão dos Capelinhos e Costado da Nau (ilha do Faial) e o Algar do Carvão (ilha Terceira)] e 52 geossítios de relevância nacional.
Para além do valor científico, a maior parte dos geossítios têm valor educacional e geoturístico. É de salientar que 93 geossítios integram a Rede
Regional de Áreas Protegidas, encontrando-se sob gestão dos Parques Naturais de Ilha e do Parque Marinho dos Açores.
As paisagens vulcânicas dos Açores têm vindo a ser promovidas desde o final do século XX, principalmente por campanhas turísticas, contudo
desde que se iniciaram os trabalhos de estudos do património geológico do arquipélago, em 2007, este também tem vindo a ser divulgado regional,
nacional e internacionalmente.
Os geossítios terrestres estão a ser monitorizados, incidindo-se no estado do geossítio, suas condições geológicas de interesse e na caracterização
do público que o visita. A monitorização iniciou-se no final de 2013 em todo o arquipélago, aguardando-se os primeiros resultados para o final
do ano de 2014.
O reconhecimento do valor do património geológico açoriano concretiza-se com a integração do Geoparque Açores nas Redes Europeia
e Global de Geoparques, em março de 2013, constituindo o primeiro geoparque verdadeiramente arquipelágico, com o mote “9 ilhas – 1
geoparque”, onde se “Desfrutam de erupções de sabores, aromas e experiências!”.
Estão, assim, estabelecidas as bases para se partir para a definição de uma metodologia de gestão do património geológico do arquipélago dos
Açores, de forma a se compatibilizar, da melhor forma, o seu usufruto e geoconservação, para que se mantenha a qualidade dos geossítios e passe
este importante legado para as gerações futuras.
Palavras- chave: património geológico, geoconservação, gestão, Geoparque Açores.
1. Azores archipelago
The Azores archipelago is a Portuguese autonomous
region located in the Atlantic Ocean (at a distance of 1815
km from Portugal mainland and 2625 km from Canada),
composed by nine islands (with small dimension, between
17 and 745 sq. km), some islets and the surrounding seafloor.
The islands are dispersed along approximately 600 km,
between Santa Maria and Corvo islands, with an orientation
WNW-ESE (Figure 1).
The Azores archipelago emerges from an extensive area of
irregular bathymetry, defined by the 2000 meters bathymetric
line, which makes the transitions to the surrounding abyssal
seafloor.
In terms of the global geodynamics, the archipelago
is located at the triple junction of the Eurasian, North
American and African (or Nubian) lithospheric plates.
The main structures that frame this junction are: i) the
Mid-Atlantic Ridge (with an approximately N-S trend) which corresponds to a pure distensive boundary between
the North-American plate, on West, and the Eurasian
and African plates, on East, and ii) the Gloria Fault (with
a general W-E trend), that establishes the plate boundary
Eurasia-Africa and integrates a major structure, the AzoresGibraltar Fault.
The configuration of the islands of the central and eastern
groups, with west-northwest - east-southeast, and Corvo
and Flores islands through north-south direction, reflects
the structural control by the main tectonic structures that
interact at the Azores triple junction and influence the
geomorphology of the islands (Nunes., 1991; França et al.,
2003;. Nunes et al., 2009)(Figure 2).
All the Azorean islands are of volcanic origin, being
identified 16 polygenetic volcanoes and 11 fissural volcanic
systems, counting with a total of 1750 monogenetic
volcanoes in the archipelago (Nunes & Lima, 2008). Given
its complex geodynamic framework the Azores archipelago
also presents an important seismicity on a global context,
related either with the active tectonic activity in the Azores,
either to the occurred volcanic activity.
The Azores archipelago has a rich and vast geodiversity
and an important geological heritage, composed by
several sites of scientific, educational and touristic interest.
Volcanoes, calderas, lakes, lava fields, fumaroles, hot springs
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Lima et al.
Figure 1. Geographic setting of the Azores archipelago, Portugal.
Figura 1. Enquadramento geográfico do arquipélago dos Açores, Portugal.
Figure 2. Geodynamic setting of the Azores archipelago, Portugal (adapted from Lourenço, 2007).
Figura 2. Enquadramento geodinâmico do arquipélago dos Açores, Portugal. (adaptado de Lourenço, 2007).
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Lima et al.
and thermal waters, volcanic caves, “fajãs”, fault scarps and
marine fossil deposits, among many others, are characteristic
elements of the Azorean geological heritage.
The volcanic features toghether with the tectonic,
paleontological and others, were the starting point for the
identification, characterization and quantification of the
value of the geodiversity and geological heritage of the
Azores (Lima, 2007;. Nunes et al., 2011).
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2. Nature conservation in the Azores
archipelago
Since the settlement of the Azores, in the middle of
the 15th century, the exceptional natural and landscape
resources attract several visitors and distinguished naturalists
and scientists. However nature conservation in the Azores
becomes effective in 1972 with the creation of the first
protected areas, the Integral Reserves of Faial Caldera and
Pico Mountain (Decreto Legislativo n.º 78/72, de 7 de
março, e Decreto Legislativo n.º 79/72, de 8 de março)
(Lima, 2007).
After Goulart (1999), the main strategic actions in the
archipelago in the conservation of nature are related to:
- the application of national law;
- the appropriateness of the legislation to the archipelagic
specificities, from political-administrative status as an
autonomous region;
- implementation of the regional ecological network;
- cataloging the natural heritage of the Azores;
- the implementation of measures for the development
and management of classified areas;
- the allocation of a environmental monitoring staff
(the nature guards);
- the promotion of information and dissemination
campaigns about the natural heritage;
- encouraging the development of the scientific
knowledge;
- the establishment of inter-regional, national and
international projects of intersectoral cooperation.
Regarding the geological component of the Azorean
natural heritage, the oldest descriptions of the geology of the
islands were writen by Gaspar Fructuoso in the 16th century
(Fructuoso, 1583; França et al., 2003). However, only in the
second half of the 20th century is introduced the concept
of conservation of the geological heritage elements in the
region with Victor Hugo Forjaz as a pioneer (Forjaz et al.,
2006; Forjaz, 2007; Lima, 2007).
The Environmental management in the archipelago, made
in recent years, reflects the increased concerns safeguarding
the rich geological heritage of the region, contributing also
to their promotion and enhancement. Lima (2007) indicates
several important steps to achieve this objective, presented in
the following list:
- the opening to the public of some volcanic caves, such
as Furna do Enxofre on the Graciosa island since 1939,
the Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal at Terceira
island since 1968 and 1969 respectively, and more
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recently, the Gruta das Torres in Pico island, Gruta do
Carvão in São Miguel island, and showing part of the
volcanospeleological heritage of archipelago;
in 1998 the Azores Regional Government creates a
multidisciplinary group to study the volcanic caves
of the archipelago and their management, designated
GESPEA;
the Volcanological and Geothermal Observatory of
the Azores, created in 1998, edited several publications
for the dissemination and promotion of the geological
heritage of the region; this institution has also promote
public actions of geological education;
some Azorean environmental non-governmental
organizations (e.g. Amigos dos Açores - Ecological
Association and Os Montanheiros - Speleological
Society), also participate in the dissemination and
promotion of the geological component of the natural
heritage of the archipelago, through publications,
proposed classification of geological interest sites, and
recreational activities that promote the contact with
the natural heritage;
the volcanospeleological museum, opened to the
public since the 1980’s, property of Os Montanheiros
– Speleological Society (Terceira island);
the classification of some geosites as Natural
Monuments in 2004 and 2005, such as Pedreira do
Campo in Santa Maria island, Gruta do Carvão, Pico
das Camarinhas and Ponta da Ferraria in São Miguel
island and Gruta das Torres in Pico island, although
there are other geological elements protected under
others legal figures since 1972;
in 2004 the project “GeoDIVA - Geodiversity of
Protected Areas of the Azores” was implemented by
the Azores University, providing scientific advice to
the Environment Regional Directorate of the Azores
Regional Government, regarding the promotion and
enhancement of the geodiversity of these areas;
several studies about the geodiversity and geological
heritage of the Azores have been developed, such as
publications about the “Azores islands of geodiversity”
- Graciosa, Santa Maria and São Jorge islands (Nunes
& Lima, 2005; Nunes et al., 2007; Lima et al., 2013a),
“Geosites Maps” - Santa Maria, Graciosa, Corvo and
São Jorge islands (Nunes et al., 2008; Nunes et al.,
2009; Nunes et al., 2010; Nunes et al., 2013);
there are also some academic studies and works on
these topics, such as master’s theses “Azorean Geologic
Heritage: Valuing Geosites in Environmental
Classified Protected Areas, Contribution to the
Territorial Planning” (Lima, 2007), “Monitoring
Strategies for the geosite ‘ Ponta da Ferraria e Pico
das Camarinhas’, S. Miguel Island: Contribution to
the sustainable management of the geological heritage
of the Azores Geopark “(Lima, 2012) and a degree
thesis about “Geomonuments Map of Terceira Island
(a contribution)” (Lopes, 2007);
participation in dissemination sessions about the
geodiversity and geological heritage of the Azores in
regional, national and international events, providing
Lima et al.
information about the work in progress and sharing
experiences;
- in 2007 the Azores Regional Government announced
its intention to create the Azores Geopark and submit
its application to the European and Global Geopark
Networks; in 2010 it was formally established the
Azores Geopark Association, which manages the
geopark; and in march 2013 occurred the inclusion
in the networks, constituting the first archipelagic
geopark, and thus being internationally recognized the
value of their geological heritage and its importance
in the social, cultural and economic dynamics of this
region.
It is worth to note that the Regional Legislative Decree
n. 15/2007/A, of 25 June, which reclassifies the protected
areas of the region with uniform criteria, integrates, for the
first time in regional and national environmental legislation,
geological elements of the Azorean geodiversity (beyond
those associated with biological aspect).
Therefore since the last decades of the 20th century
there have been some initiatives that show concern for the
protection of geological heritage of the archipelago, having
stepped up the number of activities and studies for this
purpose. As mentioned above, the geological heritage of
the archipelago has its value, recently, recognized with the
creation of the Azores Geopark.
3. Geoconservation in the Azores
archipelago
The set of strategies, policies and actions for an effective
conservation of the geodiversity and geological heritage
protection is called geoconservation (Sharples, 2002; Brilha,
2002, 2005; Gray, 2004).
The geoconservation is based on a working methodology
that systematizes the tasks in the conservation of the
geological heritage of given territory (Brilha, 2005). Some
authors describe methods of work with that purpose, based
generally on the same basic steps (Cendrero, 2000, Lago
et al., 2001; Brilha, 2005; Carcavilla et al., 2007).
In general terms the steps to apply are:
- inventory and characterization - each geosite must be
located and limited geographically, and characterized
based on field work and bibliography;
- quantification of the value or relevance - calculated
based on defined criteria;
- classification - the geosites that obtain greater
importance should be proposed for classification in
accordance with the existing legal framework;
- conservation - a geoconservation strategy should
give concrete and practical answers to a preliminary
assessment on the threats that may relate to the
geosites;
- valorization and promotion - actions of information
and interpretation that help the public to recognize
the value of the geosites;
- monitoring - verification and analysis of the evolution
of the geosites conservation, to ensure the maintenance
of its value and relevance.
3.1. Inventory and characterization
The inventory and characterization of the geological
heritage of the Azores was based on three studies: i) a Master
thesis in Spatial and Environmental Planning at the Azores
University, “Azorean Geologic Heritage: Valuing Geosites
in Environmental Classified Protected Areas, Contribution
to the Territorial Planning” by Lima (2007); ii) the works
and studies leading the Azores Geopark application to the
European Network and Global Geoparks (Nunes et al.,
2011); iii) and the scientific research project “Identification,
characterization and conservation of geological heritage: a
geoconservation strategy for Portugal” (2007-2010) (Brilha
& Pereira, 2012).
3.1.1.Master thesis - Lima (2007)
The first systematic study of the geological heritage of the
archipelago was carried out by Lima (2007). The analysis
of the geological heritage of the 83 environmental areas
classified in the Azores included two main steps: a qualitative
and quantitative assessment.
The geological characterization of each environmental
area and the selection of the sites that stand out for its
geological features were based on the geological knowledge
of the areas complemented with bibliography research,
resulting in the identification of 59 geosites (56 terrestrial
and 3 marine) (Figure 3).
Following the characterization of the geosites, these
were categorized according to their geomorphological and
volcanological characteristics, being based on the work
performed by Nunes (2003).
According to the results obtained most of the geosites
identified are coastal and marine areas (25), several altitude
areas (19) and many integrate volcanic lakes or coastal
lagoons (15), reflecting the morphological character of the
islands, usually with a mountainous central zone and with
great presence of water. In the remaining categories, we
report the historical eruptions (13), areas of hydrothermal
activity (10), calderas (9), surtseyan tuff cones (6), volcanic
caves (4) and fields of scoria and spatter cones (3), portraying
the diversity of morphologies and types of volcanic activity
that gave rise to them.
About the quantitative assessment, Lima (2007) opted to
adapt the methodology of Brilha (2005) to the territorial and
geological reality of the archipelago. It is noted that the above
method is based on the method described by Cendrero et al.
(1996) and Cendrero (2000), but adjusted to the Portuguese
reality. In this methodology three classes of criteria about
the geosites are evaluated: A) intrinsic criteria (uniqueness,
area, geodiversity, conservation status, association with other
heritage elements, scientific knowledge), B) potential use
(observation conditions, accessibility, potential audience,
socioeconomic conditions, different types of use) and C)
need for protection (legal status, ownership, vulnerabilities
and threats). Calculated the relevance or value of the
geological heritage assigning numerical values to different
criteria, allowed the comparison among the analyzed geosites,
resulting the ranking and determining their international/
national or regional/local relevance.
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Lima et al.
Figure 3. Geosites identified in the Azorean environmental areas, in 2007 (adapted from Lima, 2007).
Figura 3. Geossítios (a laranja) das áreas ambientais dos Açores,em 2007 (adaptado de Lima, 2007).
In the 59 geosites identified in the existing environmental
areas of the Azores in 2007, 36 had international or national
importance, and the other 23 had regional or local relevance.
It was also found that the most valued sites are those that
include a remarkable geodiversity. In the ranking the most
importants sites areCaldeira do vulcão das Furnas (Furnas
volcano caldera), on the island of São Miguel; Montanha
do Pico (Pico Mountain); Caldeira do Faial (Caldera of
the central volcano of Faial island); Caldeira do vulcão das
Sete Cidades (Sete Cidades volcano caldera) and Caldeira
do vulcão do Fogo (Fogo volcano caldera) both also in São
Miguel.
3.1.2.Azores Geopark aplication to the European and
Global Geoparks Networks
The inventory and characterization of geological heritage
has been extended to the entire archipelago with the same
methodology of Lima (2007), this analysis was crucial to the
application of the archipelago internationally recognized as
a geopark.
The developed works were based on the knowledge
gathered about the geological characteristics of the territory,
the eruptive history of each Azorean island and the elements
of geological heritage identified in the islands and in the
surrounding seafloor. Several researchers of the Region
and national and foreigner scientists with assignments
about the Azores in several areas have also contributed to
this inventory, which have resulted in a sustained and wide
approach (Nunes et al., 2011).
The geopark is based on a network of 121 geosites spread
over the nine islands and the surrounding seafloor (Figure 4)
which ensures the representativeness of the geodiversity of
the Azores and reflects its geological and eruptive history of
about 10 million years. From these, 57 geosites were selected
as priority for the development of geoconservation strategies
and for the implementation of valorization actions at the aim
of the project Azores Geopark, distributed by Santa Maria
(5), São Miguel (10), Terceira (7), Graciosa (5), São Jorge
(5), Pico (8), Faial (6), Flores (6) and Corvo (3) islands, and
the Azores Plateau seafloor (2) (Lima et al., 2009; Nunes
et al., 2011).
The choice of priority geosites relied on several
parameters: i) the international or national relevance; ii)
representativeness of the archipelago geodiversity; iii) its
position in the geosites ranking; iv) category icons and v)
characterization (vulnerability, usufruct, affluence, ...).
Qualitative and quantitative assesment were also
performed, based on Lima (2007), incorporating not only
the geological characterization, geomorphological and
volcanological categorization and analysis of the relevance, as
well as identifying the type of use in each geosite, its scientific
value and others associated values. The geosites list and the
most relevant results are presented in the Table 1 to 3.
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Lima et al.
Figure 4. Location of the 121 Azorean geosites (main geosites – green, others geosites – orange)
(in Nunes et al., 2011).
Figura 4. Localização dos 121 geossítios dos Açores (geossítios prioritários a verde e restantes geossítios
a laranja) (in Nunes et al., 2011).
Table 1. Geomorphological and volcanological categories of the geosites (adapted from Nunes, 2003; Lima, 2007;
Wood, 2009).
Tabela 1. Categorias geomorfológicas e vulcanológicas dos geossítios dos Açores (adaptado de Nunes, 2003; Lima,
2007;Wood, 2009).
Geomorphological and volcanological categories
1
Sea cliffs
13
Lava deltas (or lava “fajãs”)
2
Calderas
14
Weathering phenomena/mud deposits“barreiros”
3
Volcanic caves
15
Fossiliferous deposits
4
Fields of scoria and spatter cones
16
Volcanic lakes
5
Surtseyan tuff cones
17
Coastal lagoons
6
Volcanic ridges
18
Pahoehoe lava fields-“lajidos”
7
Quaternary deposits (e.g. beaches and slope deposits“fajãs”)
19
Maars
8
Prismatic and spheroidal jointing
20
Fluvial valleys
9
Domes and coulées
21
Polygenetic volcanoes
10
Historical eruptions
22
Areas of hydrothermal activity
11
Sub-volcanic structures (e.g. necks and dykes)
23
Others
12
Tectonic structures (e.g. faults and grabens)
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Lima et al.
Table 2. Elements used in the evaluation of the Azorean geosites (in Nunes et al., 2011).
Tabela 2. Elementos utilizados na avaliação dos geossítios dos Açores (in Nunes et al., 2011).
Relevance
Scientific Value
Others Values
Int
International
Geom
Geomorphological
Arq
Archeological or similar
Nac
National
Paleo
Paleontological
Cult
Cultural
Reg
Regional
Min
Mineralogical
Ecol
Ecological
Pet
Petrological
Hist
Historical
Estr
Stratigraphic
Pvist
Scenic (Landscape)
Use
Cie
Scientific
Tect
Tectonic
Ec
Economic
Hidro
Hydrological
Ed
Educational
Hidrot
Hydrothermal
Geot
Geotourism
Vulc
Volcanic
Espeleo
Speleological
Sed
Sedimentary
Table 3. List of Azores archipelago geosites, its geomorphological and volcanological categories, relevance, use and values. The 57 prioritary
geosites are distinguished at gray (in Nunes et al., 2011).
Tabela 3. Lista de geossítios do arquipélago dos Açores, suas categorias geomorfológicas e vulcanológicas, relevância, uso e valores. Destacam-se, a
cinzento, os 57 geossítios prioritários (in Nunes et al., 2011).
Island
Corvo
Flores
Geosite
Geomor
phological and
Volcanological
Categories
Relevance
Use
Scientific Values
Geom | Hidro |
Vulc
Geom | Estr | Vulc
Estr | Vulc
Geom | Estr | Vulc
Other Values
Caldeirão
(COR 1)
2 | 16 | 21
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Fajã lávica de Vila do Corvo
Ponta do Marco
Coroínha e arriba de Pingas
(COR 2)
(COR 3)
(COR 4)
13
1 | 11
1 | 11
Reg
Reg
Reg
Cie | Ed
Cie | Geot
Cie | Ec | Ed
Caldeiras Negra, Comprida,
Seca e Branca
(FLO 1)
16 | 19
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Caldeiras Rasa e Funda das
Lajes
(FLO 2)
16 | 19
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Geom | Estr | Hidro
| Vulc
Ecol | Pvist
Fajã Grande e Fajãzinha
(FLO 3)
1 | 7 | 13 | 20
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Geom | Estr | Tect |
Hidro | Vulc | Sed
Cult | Pvist
Pico da Sé
(FLO 4)
9
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Geom | Vulc
Pvist
Ponta da Rocha Alta e Fajã de
Lopo Vaz
(FLO 5)
1|7
Reg
Cie | Geot
Rocha dos Bordões
(FLO 6)
8
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Geom | Vulc
Ecol | Pvist
Costa Nordeste
(FLO 7)
1 | 8 | 11
Nac
Cie | Geot
Estr | Vulc
Pvist
Filão dos Frades
(FLO 8)
11
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Geom
Pvist
Litoral de Santa Cruz
(FLO 9)
13
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Geom | Pet | Vulc
Cult
Ponta do Albarnaz - Ponta
Delgada
(FLO 10)
1 | 8 | 11 | 14
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Pet | Estr | Tect |
Vulc
Cult
Vale da Ribeira da Cruz e
Ponta da Caveira
(FLO 11)
1 | 3 | 11 | 20
Nac
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Geom | Hidro |
Hidrot | Vulc
Pvist
Vale das Ribeiras da Badanela
e Além Fazenda
(FLO 12)
11 | 20
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Geom | Hidro |
Vulc
Pvist
Vale e fajã lávica das Lajes
(FLO 13)
12 | 13
Reg
Cie | Ec
Geom | Min | Estr
| Vulc
Pvist
Ilhéu de Monchique
(FLO 14)
23
Reg
Geom
Pvist
- 308 -
Geom Hidro | Vulc
Geom | Estr | Sed
Cult | Ecol | Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Ecol | Pvist
Ecol | Pvist
Ecol | Hist | Pvist
Lima et al.
Island
Faial
Pico
Geosite
Relevance
Use
Caldeira
(FAI 1)
2 | 10 | 21
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Graben de Pedro Miguel
(FAI 2)
1 | 12
Nac
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Monte da Guia e Porto Pim
(FAI 3)
5|7
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Morro do Castelo Branco
(FAI 4)
1 | 9 | 14
Nac
Península do Capelo
(FAI 5)
3 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 12
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Vulcão dos Capelinhos e
Costado da Nau
(FAI 6)
1 | 5 | 10 | 11
Int
Cie | Ed | Geot
Arriba fóssil da Praia do Norte
(FAI 7)
1 | 7 | 18
Reg
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Arriba fóssil do Varadouro
(FAI 8)
1 | 22
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Ponta Furada
Arriba fóssil Sto António São Roque
Fajã lávica das Lajes do Pico
(FAI 9)
1 | 8 | 18
Nac
Cie
(PIC 1)
1 | 13
Reg
Cie | Ec
(PIC 2)
1 | 11 | 13 | 17
Reg
Gruta das Torres
(PIC 3)
3
Reg
Ilhéus da Madalena
Lajido de Santa Luzia
(PIC 4)
(PIC 5)
Nac
Nac
Montanha
(PIC 6)
5
1 | 10 | 18
7 | 12 | 18 | 21
| 22
Cie | Ed | Geot
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Cie | Geot
Cie | Ed | Geot
Int
Cie | Ed | Geot
Planalto da Achada
(PIC 7)
4 | 6 | 10 | 12 | 16
Reg
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Ponta da Ilha
(PIC 8)
1 | 8 | 18
Nac
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
(PIC 9)
3
Reg
Cie
(PIC 10)
(PIC 11)
(PIC 12)
(PIC 13)
1 | 13
1 | 13
3
3
Reg
Reg
Reg
Reg
Cie | Ed
Cie | Ed
Cie
Cie
Algar/Gruta do Canto da
Serra
Fajã lávica de São Mateus
Fajã lávica das Ribeiras
Furna Vermelha
Gruta dos Montanheiros
Hornitos e Furna do Frei
Matias
Lajidos da Criação Velha
(PIC 14)
3
Reg
Cie | Geot
(PIC 15)
1 | 18
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Lomba do Fogo
(PIC 16)
10 | 12
Reg
Cie
Ponta do Mistério
Cabeço Debaixo da Rocha
Arribas das Fajã dos Vimes –
Fajã de São João
(PIC 17)
(PIC 18)
1 | 10 | 13
5
Reg
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Cie | Ed
(SJO 1)
1 | 7 | 12 | 20
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
(SJO 2)
3 | 4 | 6 | 10 |
12 | 16
Reg
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
(SJO 3)
1 | 13
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
(SJO 4)
1 | 7 | 17
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Cordilheira vulcânica central
São Jorge
Geomor
phological and
Volcanological
Categories
Fajãs do Ouvidor e da Ribeira
da Areia
Fajãs dos Cubres e da Caldeira
de Sto Cristo
Morro de Velas e Morro de
Lemos
Ponta dos Rosais
Mistério da Urzelina
(SJO 5)
1 | 5 | 15
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
(SJO 6)
(SJO 7)
1 | 11
1 | 10
Reg
Nac
Cie | Geot
Cie | Ed | Geot
Ponta e ilhéu do Topo
(SJO 8)
1|8
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
- 309 -
Scientific Values
Geom | Tect |
Hidro | Vulc
Geom | Tect
Geom | Pet | Vulc
| Sed
Geom | Min | Vulc
Geom | Tect | Vulc
Geom | Pet | Estr |
Tect | Vulc
Geom | Estr | Sed
Geom | Estr |
Hidrot
Geom | Vulc
Geom | Pet | Estr
| Vulc
Geom | Vulc
Min | Vulc |
Espeleo
Geom | Pet | Vulc
Geom | Vulc
Geom | Estr | Tect |
Hidrot | Vulc | Sed
Geom | Estr | Tect
| Hidro | Vulc |
Espeleo
Geom | Vulc
Other Values
Ecol | Hist | Pvist
Cult | Hist | Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Ecol | Pvist
Hist | Pvist
Ecol | Hist | Pvist
Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Cult | Ecol | Pvist
Ecol
Pvist
Cult
Ecol | Hist | Pvist
Ecol | Hist | Pvist
Cult | Ecol
Vulc | Espeleo
Geom | Vulc
Geom | Min | Vulc
Vulc | Espeleo
Vulc | Espeleo
Vulc | Espeleo
Geom | Vulc
Geom | Tect | Vulc |
Espeleo
Geom | Pet | Vulc
Pet | Estr | Vulc
Geom | Tect | Sed
Geom | Tect |
Hidro | Vulc |
Espeleo
Geom | Estr | Vulc
Geom | Hidro | Sed
Geom | Paleo | Pet
| Vulc
Geom | Estr | Vulc
Vulc
Geom | Pet | Estr
| Vulc
Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Ecol | Hist | Pvist
Ecol | Hist | Pvist
Pvist
Cult | Ecol | Pvist
Hist | Pvist
Pvist
Cult | Ecol | Pvist
Ecol | Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Hist
Cult | Pvist
Lima et al.
Island
Graciosa
Terceira
Geosite
Geomor
phological and
Volcanological
Categories
Relevance
Use
Caldeira e Furna do Enxofre
(GRA 1)
2 | 3 | 9 | 16 |
21 | 22
Int
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Caldeirinha de Pêro Botelho
Ponta da Barca e Ilhéu da
Baleia
Porto Afonso e Redondo
Ponta do Carapacho, Ponta da
Restinga e Ilhéu de Baixo
Arribas da Serra Branca e Baía
do Filipe
(GRA 2)
3
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
(GRA 3)
1 | 11 | 22
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
(GRA 4)
1 | 4 | 11
Nac
(GRA 5)
1 | 5 | 11 | 22
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
(GRA 6)
1 | 9 | 11
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Baía da Vitória
(GRA 7)
18 | 22
Reg
Cie
Erupção do Pico Timão
(GRA 8)
1|4
Reg
Cie | Ec
Santa Cruz da Graciosa
(GRA 9)
4 | 13
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Algar do Carvão
(TER 1)
3 | 16
Int
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Caldeira de Santa Bárbara e
Mistérios Negros
(TER 2)
2 | 9 | 10 | 12
| 21
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz
(TER 3)
2 | 3 | 18 | 21
Reg
Cie | Ed
Furnas do Enxofre
(TER 4)
14 | 22
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Monte Brasil
(TER 5)
1 | 5 | 12 | 15
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
(TER 6)
2 | 9 | 21
Nac
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
(TER 7)
1 | 9 | 12
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
(TER 8)
1|7|9
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
(TER 9)
1 | 12
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
(TER 10)
5
Nac
Cie | Geot
(TER 11)
3 | 10
Reg
(TER 12)
(TER 13)
2 | 21
1 | 18
Reg
Reg
Pico Alto, Biscoito Rachado e
Biscoito da Ferraria
Ponta da Serreta e escoadas
traquíticas
Fajã da Alagoa - Biscoito das
Calmeiras
Graben das Lajes
Ilhéus das Cabras
Mistério 1761 e sistema
cavernícola da Malha Grande
– Balcões
Serra do Cume
Biscoitos - Matias Simão
- 310 -
Scientific Values
Geom | Min | Tect
| Hidro | Hidrot |
Vulc | Espeleo
Vulc | Espeleo
Geom | Estr |
Hidrot | Vulc
Geom | Estr | Vulc
Geom | Estr |
Hidrot | Vulc
Geom | Estr | Vulc
Hidro | Hidrot |
Vulc
Geom | Vulc
Geom | Hidro |
Vulc
Min | Hidro | Vulc |
Espeleo
Geom | Min | Tect
| Vulc
Espeleo
Hidrot
Geom | Paleo | Pet |
Estr | Tect | Vulc
Geom | Min | Estr |
Tect | Vulc
Geom | Pet | Vulc
Other Values
Cult | Hist | Pvist
Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Pvist
Cult | Ecol | Pvist
Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Ecol
Ecol | Hist | Pvist
Pvist
Cult | Hist | Pvist
Ecol | Pvist
Ecol
Cie | Ec
Geom | Estr | Vulc
| Sed
Geom | Pet | Tect
Geom | Pet | Tect
| Vulc
Min | Vulc |
Espeleo
Ecol | Hist
Cie | Ed | Geot
Cie
Geom | Vulc
Geom | Vulc
Pvist
Cult
Pvist
Pvist
Pvist
Lima et al.
Island
São
Miguel
Geosite
Geomor
phological and
Volcanological
Categories
Relevance
Use
2 | 9 | 10 | 14 |
16 | 20 | 21 | 22
Int
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Reg
Caldeira do vulcão das Furnas
(SMG 1)
Caldeira do vulcão das Sete
Cidades
(SMG 2)
Caldeira do vulcão do Fogo
(SMG 3)
Caldeira Velha
(SMG 4)
2 | 7 | 10 | 16
| 21
2 | 7 | 10 | 16
| 21
20 | 22
Gruta do Carvão
(SMG 5)
3
Reg
Ilhéu de Vila Franca
Lagoas do Congro e dos
Nenúfares
Ponta da Ferraria e Pico das
Camarinhas
(SMG 6)
5
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Cie | Ed | Geot
(SMG 7)
16 | 19
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
(SMG 8)
4 | 13 | 22
Nac
Serra Devassa
(SMG 9)
4 | 6 | 12 | 16
Reg
Vale da Ribeira do Faial da
Terra e Fajã do Calhau
(SMG 10)
1 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 20
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Caldeira da Povoação
(SMG 11)
2 | 20 | 21
Reg
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
(SMG 12)
3|4|6
Reg
Cie | Ec | Ed
(SMG 13)
1 | 8 | 11 | 13
Reg
(SMG 14)
1 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 13
Nac
(SMG 15)
1 | 5 | 15
Nac
Cie
(SMG 16)
1 | 7 | 9 | 10
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
(SMG 17)
20 | 23
Reg
Cie | Geot
(SMG 18)
1|7
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
(SMG 19)
1 | 9 | 22
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Coroa da Furna –
Arrenquinha
Fajã lávica e arriba fóssil da
Caloura
Fajã lávica e ilhéus dos
Mosteiros
Morro das Capelas
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Morro de Sta Bárbara, praias
e Bandejo
Pico da Vara e Planalto dos
Graminhais
Pisão - Praia (Água d’Alto)
Ponta do Cintrão - Ladeira
da Velha
Praias do Pópulo, Milicias e
São Roque
Rocha da Relva
(SMG 20)
7
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
(SMG 21)
1|7
Reg
Cie | Ed
Salto da Farinha
(SMG 22)
8 | 14 | 20
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Salto do Cabrito
(SMG 23)
20
Nac
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Vale da Ribeira Quente
(SMG 24)
1 | 7 | 20 | 22
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Vale das Lombadas
(SMG 25)
9 | 20 | 22
Reg
Fontanário da Ribeira Seca
Campo Geotérmico do
Vulcão do Fogo
(SMG 26)
10
Nac
(SMG 27)
22
Nac
- 311 -
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Cie | Ed | Geot
Cie | Ec | Ed |
Geot
Scientific Values
Geom | Min | Estr
| Tect | Hidro |
Hidrot | Vulc
Geom | Estr | Hidro
| Vulc | Sed
Geom | Min |
Hidro | Vulc
Tect | Hidro
Vulc | Espeleo
Geom | Pet | Vulc
Geom | Hidro |
Vulc
Geom | Min | Estr |
Tect | Hidrot | Vulc
Geom | Tect |
Hidro | Vulc
Geom | Estr | Hidro
| Vulc | Sed
Geom | Pet | Hidro
| Vulc
Espeleo
Geom | Estr | Vulc
Geom | Pet | Tect |
Hidrot | Vulc
Geom | Paleo | Pet
| Vulc
Geom | Vulc | Sed
Geom | Hidro
Pet | Estr | Sed
Geom | Estr |
Hidrot | Vulc
Vulc | Sed
Geom | Estr | Sed
Geom | Hidro |
Vulc
Tect | Hidro
Geom | Estr | Hidro
| Hidrot | Vulc | Sed
Geom | Min |
Hidro | Hidrot
Vulc
Hidrot
Other Values
Cult | Hist | Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Hist | Pvist
Cult
Ecol | Pvist
Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Cult
Cult
Cult | Pvist
Cult | Ecol | Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Cult
Cult
Ecol | Pvist
Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Pvist
Pvist
Hist | Cult
Cult | Pvist
Hist | Pvist
Lima et al.
Island
Santa
Maria
Marine
Areas
Geosite
Geomor
phological and
Volcanological
Categories
Relevance
Use
Scientific Values
Other Values
Geom | Pet | Vulc
Paleo | Min | Pet |
Estr | Vulc
Geom | Vulc
Geom | Paleo | Min
| Pet | Estr | Vulc
Geom | Vulc
Geom | Paleo | Pet
| Estr
Geom | Paleo | Sed
Geom | Hidro
Geom | Paleo |
Hidro | Vulc
Pet | Estr | Vulc
Min | Estr | Vulc
Geom | Estr | Hidro
Paleo | Pet | Estr |
Espeleo
Estr | Vulc
Hidro | Sed
Geom | Tect |
Hidrot | Vulc
Geom | Min | Tect |
Hidrot | Vulc
Geom | Tect |
Hidrot | Vulc
Tect | Vulc
Pvist
Barreiro da Faneca
(SMA 1)
14
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Pedreira do Campo
(SMA 2)
8 | 15
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Poço da Pedreira
(SMA 3)
11 | 14
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Ponta do Castelo
(SMA 4)
1 | 8 | 11 | 15
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Ribeira do Maloás
(SMA 5)
8 | 20
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Baía da Cré
(SMA 6
1 | 15
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Baía de São Lourenço
Baía do Raposo
Baía do Tagarete e Ponta do
Norte
Baía dos Cabrestantes
Barreiro da Malbusca
Cascata do Aveiro
(SMA 7)
(SMA 8)
1 | 7 | 15
1 | 8 | 20
Reg
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Cie
(SMA 9)
1 | 14 | 15 | 20
Nac
Cie
(SMA 10)
(SMA 11)
(SMA 12)
1|5
8 | 14
8 | 20
Reg
Nac
Reg
Cie
Cie | Ed
Cie | Ed | Geot
Figueiral
(SMA 13)
1 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 15
Reg
Cie | Ed | Geot
Porto de Vila do Porto
(SMA 14)
1 | 8 | 11
Nac
Cie | Ed
Praia Formosa e Prainha
(SMA 15)
1 | 7 | 8 | 15 | 20
Nac
Cie | Ed | Geot
Banco D. João de Castro
(Marinha 1)
10 | 21 | 22
Reg
Cie | Geot
Dorsal Atlântica e Campos
hidrotermais
(Marinha 2)
6 | 12 |22
Int
Cie
Canal Faial-Pico
(Marinha 3)
5 | 22
Reg
Cie
Ilhéus das Formigas e Recife
Dollabarat
(Marinha 4)
11 | 15
Reg
Cie | Geot
The geosites were grouped in categories according to
their geomorphological, geological and volcanological
characteristics, having adopted the previous categorization
performed by Lima (2007) and detailing aspects of volcanic
morphology according the classification of Wood (2009).
So 23 geomorphological and volcanological categories were
established, highlighting sea cliffs, polygenetic volcanoes
with caldera, volcanic caves, prismatic and spheroidal
jointing, historical eruptions, sub-volcanic structures (e.g.
necks and dykes), fluvial valleys and areas of hydrothermal
activity, confirming the archipelagic and volcanic nature of
the territory.
In the analysis of the geosites relevance it was applied
the same quantitative methodology of Lima (2007), but
distinguished themselves in geosites with international
relevance (6 geosites), national relevance (52 geosites) and
regional relevance (63 geosites). The geosites of international
relevance are: the Dorsal Atlântica e Campos hidrotermais
(Mid-Atlantic Ridge and deep-sea hydrothermal fields), as
it is a global tectonic boundary; the Caldeira do vulcão das
Furnas (Furnas volcano caldera) (São Miguel island), which
Arq
Arq
Cult | Pvist
Pvist
Cult
Pvist
Pvist
Arq
Pvist
Cult | Pvist
Hist
Ecol
Ecol
besides being a volcano-lab, has an important hydrothermal
and hydrological system (mineral, thermal and CO2-spring
gas waters) richness; Montanha do Pico (Pico Mountain
polygenetic volcano), because is the 3rd highest central volcano
on North Atlantic; the Caldeira e Furna do Enxofre (Graciosa
volcano caldera and “Furna do Enxofre” volcanic cave)
(Graciosa island), by its size, shape and genesis of the volcanic
cave; Vulcão dos Capelinhos e Costado da Nau (Capelinhos
volcano and Costado da Nau volcano) (Faial island), due
to the relevance of the Capelinhos eruption for volcanology
science; and Algar do Carvão volcanic pit (Terceira island),
because it includes the top ten worldwide volcanic cave in
terms of mineral deposits (silica speleothemes) (Nunes et al.,
2011) (Figure 5).
Most geosites are used for scientific studies, also being
realized in most of them geotouristic and education activities.
In about one third of the geosites occur economic activities
directly related to the geology of the site, either through paid
visits to the geosites (e.g. volcanic caves), either by quarries
or geothermal energy production (Figure 6).
- 312 -
Lima et al.
Mid-Atlantic Ridge and deep-sea hydrothermal fields
Furnas volcano caldera (São Miguel island)
Pico Mountain
(Pico island)
Graciosa volcano caldera and Furna do Enxofre volcanic cave
(Graciosa island)
Capelinhos volcano and Costado da Nau volcano (Faial Island)
Algar do Carvão volcanic pit (Terceira Island)
Figure 5. Geosites with international relevance.
Figura 5. Geossítios de relevância internacional.
- 313 -
Lima et al.
Figure 6. Types of use of the Azores geosites.
Figura 6. Tipos de uso dos geossítios dos Açores.
The scientific value of each geosite was decomposed in
different geological areas, verifying that the main types of
scientific values expressed by the Azorean geosites are in
terms of geomorphology and volcanology, as it is expected
in a volcanic archipelago (Figure 7).
Figure 8. Other values of the Azores geosites.
Figura 8. Outros valores associados aos geossítios dos Açores.
island, and the coastal lagoons associated to the Lajes do Pico
lava delta, in Pico island) several elements of geodiversity
may be destroyed even by little anthropic interventions or by
small structures of easy depreciation. In an opposite way, 86
geosites present geomorphological aspects or large geological
structures that, by its dimensions, relief, etc., are hardly
affected, in a significant way, by the anthropic activities, or
its destruction is not likely to happen (Nunes et al., 2011).
Considering the vulnerability to the natural evolutionary
processes of the geosites (e.g. erosive actions, cliff retreats,
fauna activity, vegetation growth), only two geosites are
under high pressure, due to the marine erosive processes
(Pisão – Praia, at Água d’Alto, São Miguel island) and the
vegetation growth (Capelinhos and Costado da Nau, Faial
island) (Nunes et al., 2011).
Figure 7. Scientific value of the Azores geosites.
Figure 7. Valor científico dos geossítios dos Açores.
3.1.3.Scientific research project “Identification,
characterization and conservation of geological heritage:
a geoconservation strategy for Portugal” (2007-2010)
The geological heritage is sometimes associated to
other types of heritage, valuing them, and in some cases,
complementing them. Most of the Azorean geosites have
associated other value types, being the most common the
scenic, cultural (highlighting the close relationship between
the Azorean people and their volcanoes), and ecological
(several geosites are the substrate and create conditions
for the existence of important habitats and ecosystems)
(Figure 8).
An analysis made to the 117 geosites of the insular
territory, having in account the related urban and industrial
pressure, has shown that 54% of the geosites present a
reduced actual or potential pressure and only 10% (12
geosites) are subject to a high urban pressure. Concerning
the vulnerability to human interventions, in 10 geosites
(e.g. volcanic caves, Fountain of Ribeira Seca, in São Miguel
Additionally, there was an evaluation of the scientific
value of the 121 geosites in the Azores archipelago and
of its degree of vulnerability, taking into account the
criteria commonly used in several European countries.
This evaluation took place in the context of the research
project “Identification, characterization and conservation
of geological heritage: a geoconservation strategy for
Portugal”, funded by the FCT - Foundation for Science
and Technology (2007-2010), which sought to implement,
in whole Portuguese territory, a methodology for the
inventory and the classification of geological heritage, from
the perspective of its geoconservation, valorization and
dissemination (Brilha et al., 2006; Brilha & Pereira, 2012).
This analysis assigned numerical values to various criteria
such as uniqueness, recognition as a local standard, scientific
knowledge, integrity, diversity and rarity. The obtained
results confirmed the relevance of the main geosites already
mentioned from the previous methodologies: the MidAtlantic Ridge and deep-sea hydrothermal fields, followed
- 314 -
Lima et al.
by the Caldera of Furnas silicic polygenetic volcano (São
Miguel island), Pico Mountain polygenetic volcano (Pico
island), Graciosa volcano caldera and “Furna do Enxofre”
volcanic cave (Graciosa island), and the Capelinhos volcano
and “Costado da Nau” volcano (Faial island).
The vulnerability of the 121 geosites was evaluated under
the same project - using criteria such as the possibility of
deterioration of the geological content, the proximity to
potentially degrading areas, accessibility and population
density - resulting in 10 geosites with high vulnerability
(e.g.quarries - Pico Timão, Graciosa island, or urban pressure
- Fajã lávica e arriba fóssil da Caloura, São Miguel island),
while the remaining geosites present a moderate vulnerability
(63%) or low (29%) (Nunes et al., 2011).
3.2.Classification
Currently a significant number of the Azores geosites
(93 geosites) are under legal protection of the Island Natural
Parks and the Azores Marine Park. Additionally several
geosites are covered by other classifications and protection
and enhancement measures such as Natura 2000 Network,
Ramsar, OSPAR, Important Bird Areas, and some also
integrate classified areas as UNESCO World Heritage sites
(e.g. the Historical Centre of Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira
island, and Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture),
or Biosphere Reserves of Graciosa, Flores and Corvo islands.
Although there are 19 geosites without any legal classification
or protection (Nunes et al., 2011).
But it was not always like this, though in 1972 the first
sites of geological interest were classified (as mentioned
above: Pico Mountain and Caldeira from Faial island), they
were not protected for its geological features, happening the
same with others 50 now recognized as geosites, that were
classified essentially by their biological and/or ecological
factors, and others few (22) were classified by geological and
biological or ecological factors abreast (Lima, 2007).
This change happened with the contribution and
cooperation of the technical staff of the Azores Geopark in
the reviewing of the protected areas performed, in recent
years, under the 15/2007/A Regional Legislative Decree, of
25 June.
3.3.Valorization and promotion
The Azores geological heritage has been promoted and
disseminated since the beginning of its studies in 2007
(Lima et al., 2012), although the Azorean geolandscapes
are promoted since the late 20th century, mainly through
tourism campaigns at national and international levels.
However, it has been a lack of information and promotion
in the archipelago itself, so that the Azorean people can be
aware of the value and importance of their geosites often
used in the daily and leisure activities.
As it use to say “people only value what they know” and
with this purpose several promotional and informational
products of the Azores geological heritage have been
developed, directed to: i) the general public (a newspaper
page published every two weeks “Geodiversidades” in
the newspaper with largest circulation in the archipelago
- “Açoriano Oriental”, leaflets and brochures about the
geosites and the Azores Geopark, the web page and the
participation in social networks and newsletters), ii) to the
student audience (through the educational programs of the
Azores Geopark, the Children’s Guide “Volcanoes of the
Azores”, some games and activities development in the school
context or at study visits), and iii) the specialized geological
heritage public (through the participation in national and
international events on geological heritage, geoparks and
geotourism or projects with other specialists) (Lima et al.,
2012).
Several partners of the Azores Geopark also contribute to
the dissemination of the value and importance of the Azorean
geosites, either through his explanation at the Environmental
Interpretation Centres or the Science Centres or through the
geological heritage usufruct with tourism companies.
A community informed will value its geological heritage
and ensure a greater commitment to its conservation (Lima
et al., 2012).
3.4.Monitoring
Monitoring ensures a better conservation of geological
heritage and improves the management practiced in a given
geosite (Lima, 2012).
The first monitoring plan applied to a geosite in the
archipelago was carried out by Lima (2012) at the Ponta
da Ferraria e Pico das Camarinhas geosite (São Miguel
island), from October 2011 to October 2012, with the goal
to identify the threats that endanger the integrity of the
geosite and to quantify the gains or loss of relevance that
it has suffered over time due such threats. It was made a
direct count of the number of visitors, observation of their
behavior and questionnaires were administered.
By observing the behavior adopted it was found that
most visitors follow the rules, and only a minority goes
out the marked trails or ride motorized vehicles outside
the proper areas; it appears however that the accumulation
of waste is a problem, also due to ineffective collection
performed. By the questionnaires analisys it is know that
most of the public want to spend 1-2 hours on this place
and are interested in knowing it better, so it is justified to
bet on additional measures and specific interpretation [being
indicated by Lima (2012): a geodiversity interpretation trail,
production of interpretive brochures and creating a visitants
centre]. With the count of visitors it was concluded that
about 72,000 people visit this geosite per year, being 850
the highest number of visitors recorded in a day, but not
reaching the load capacity calculated for geosite, which is
2050 visitors a day (Lima, 2012).
At the end of the year 2013 began the experimental
monitoring of the Azores geological heritage with several tests
in Faial, Pico, Terceira and Santa Maria islands, reaching at a
final monitoring checklist to be applied systematically in all
terrestrial geosites of the archipelago. It includes parameters
such as: the geosite status (cleanliness, accessibility, signage),
its geological conditions of interest (conservation, threats,
natural evolution) and the characterization of the public.
Given the geosites number and their dispersion in the
archipelago, this monitoring counts with the cooperation
of the Nature Vigilants of the 9 Island Natural Parks
- 315 -
Lima et al.
(Azores Geopark partners), with a periodic verification
by the technical staff of the geopark. The first results and
conclusions are expected at the end of 2014, after monitoring
throughout the calendar year, covering different seasons and
inherent changes in natural conditions, and high and low
visitation seasons.
In the work plan is also set for 2015 start the monitoring
of the submarine part of the coastal geosites and even
the submarine geosites, also relying on the stablished
partnerships for this purpose (e.g. regional diving companies
and the Oceanography and Fisheries Department of the
Azores University.
4. Analisys of the integration
of geoheritage heritage in the
environmental and land-use policies
The analysis of the integration of the geological heritage
in environmental and use policies of the archipelago was
made by Lima (2007), checking the inclusion of this issue
in key strategic and operational instruments and documents.
All documents considered (32) integrate a nature
conservation component, but only 9 explicit the geological
component in their policies for the conservation and
valorization of nature, and of these, only 6 used the
appropriate nomenclature of the subject. There is also the
note that the instruments surveyed are more indicative than
operating, regarding the topic of geological heritage.
In 2013, Lima et al. (2013b) returned to do this analisys,
and this time from the 49 planning instruments analyzed
(with 21 new documents for environmental and land use
planning implemented), 16 included a geological component
of the natural heritage. Then it appears that although the
main strategic and operational tools integrate existing nature
conservation, only about a third (the same proportion as in
2007) of these refer their geological component, verifying
that there is still much to do to raise awareness of the work
teams of spatial planning concerning this subject.
5.Geological heritage usufruct
The Azorean people learned to live with its volcanoes
and earthquakes, taking advantage of the fertile soils, the
geological resources and beautiful landscapes to promote
their socioeconomic development.
The relationship human/geodiversity marks the daily
life of the Azorean society, namely: the regional architecture
(popular, religious and military) with the use of local
ornamental rocks; religious events (pilgrimages, processions
and the Holy Spirit festivities) closely related to the occurrence
of natural events (volcanic eruptions and earthquakes);
the traditional enjoyment of secondary manifestations of
volcanism through baths in thermal pools, the use of mineral
and CO2-sparkling waters, the use of mud as peloids and the
degustation of food that is steamed in the fumarolic field
of the Furnas Volcano; toponomy like “Lajedo”, “Lajidos”,
“Biscoitos” and “ Mistérios”, among other geological names
used on the islands as well as in geoproducts as in the case
of wines such as “Terras de Lava”, “Basalto”, “Magma” or
“Pedras Brancas”, and even on Azorean stories and legends
(Nunes et al., 2011).
The Azoreans geolandscapes also assume the main
motto of interest and development of nature tourism in
the archipelago and feature a wide range of possibilities for
sustainable use , where it can be practice different activities
and develop associated tourism products, such as the
geotourism through walking trails and trekking, volcanic
speleology, geotours, and hydrotherapy among others. The
Azores geotourism is also supported on different thematic
routes that promotes the region based on the volcanism
and the geolandscapes: i) the volcanic caves route; ii) the
belvederes route; iii) the walking trails route; iv) the thermal
route; v) the science and interpretation centres route, vi)
urban routes and vii) litoral routes (Machado et al., 2013).
It is noteworthy that besides the contribute to the socioeconomic development mainly in rural areas, these products
have highlighted the importance of the geotourism as a tool
to promote and preserve the geological heritage of the Azores,
turning, also, as an important instrument of environmental
awareness through the local and foreign people (Lima et al.,
2013).
6.Geological heritage management
The Azores geological heritages constitutes an ex-libris
of the archipelago and is an important resource that must be
promoted and used in a sustainable way. To reach this goal
a good management of the recreational, educational and
tourism uses should coexist with a geoconservation policy
(Lima et al., 2013b).
There are several papers about inventory methodologies
for geological heritage and its scientific, educational and
tourism uses, however, management methodologies for
geological heritage are still poorly developed. They should
be included in environmental and land-use planning and
nature conservation policies, in order to support a holistic
approach to natural heritage. This gap is explained by the
fact that geoconservation is a new geoscience and still need
of more basic scientific research, like any other geoscience
(Henriques et al., 2011).
Also in the Azores, despite the developed works on
the inventory, characterization and monitoring of the
geological heritage, there isn’t an integrated planning for
their management. Also lacking studies to identify threats
and to propose guidelines for their sustainable management
that constitute basic tools to an adequate geoconservation
(Caetano & Lima, 2005).
Lima (2007) refers some existing management measures
and informal management plans for some geosites:
- 316 -
- as verified in the previous analysis, most of the
Azorean geosites are integrated in the Island Natural
Parks and other legal figures, being subjected to its
management measures;
- some geosites have load capacities defined, such as the
Vila Franca do Campo islet, São Miguel island (400
visitors per day), and Pico Mountain (160 visitors
simultaneously and 40 people in Piquinho per 30
minutes);
- some geosites have restricted access and their visitation
is controlled, as in Caldeira from Faial Island and the
Lima et al.
volcanic caves with guided tours (Gruta do Carvão in
São Miguel island, Gruta das Torres in Pico Island,
Furna do Enxofre in the Graciosa island, Algar do
Carvão and Gruta do Natal in Terceira island) with
load capacities also defined.
Then becomes necessary to establish mechanisms and
protocols targeted for conservation and management of
geological heritage. This management is complex because it
serves not only the natural features and aspects, seen from
a scientific perspective, but also legal, economic, cultural,
educational and recreational aspects, also taking into
account the variety of natural and anthropogenic (Lima
et al., 2013b).
With the integration of the archipelago in the European
and Global Geopark Networks increases the challenge
and reinforces the commitment of the management of its
geological heritage.
A PhD in Environmental Geology about the “Definition
of a methodology for the management of geological
heritage. An application to the Azores archipelago” is
being developed in the Azores University, under which it is
intended to investigate, evaluate and define a methodology
for the management of the geological heritage, with a view
to mainstreaming of spatial and environmental planning.
The application to the Azores is expected to set management
measures to the proper functioning of the geosites and better
enjoyment by those who visit or use them daily.
7. Conclusions
The Azores archipelago, despite its small territorial
dimension, presents a wide range of morphologies, rocks
and structures, arising, among other factors, from the
nature of the magmas, the type of eruption that originated,
its dynamics and the subsequent action of external agents,
such as the hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. The
expression of this geodiversity is reflected in volcanic
calderas, lava fields, volcanic ridges, volcanic lakes, prismatic
jointings, etc.
The geodiversity of the Azores islands, along with other
determinants factors as their size, dispersion, geographic
location and climate, are responsible for distinctive
ecological conditions, which translate, in a unique way, the
close relationship between the geodiversity and biodiversity
of the archipelago.
There have been developed, in recent years, studies
and actions of inventory, characterization, classification,
valuation and monitoring of geological heritage and there
are currently identified and characterized 121 geosites (117
terrestrial geosites and 4 marine geosites), with high relevance
(6 of international relevance, 52 of national relevance and
the others with regional relevance), some protected (93),
some vulnerable (22), and almost all with usufruct by the
Azoreans and visitors.
Interpretation and dissemination resources about the
geological heritage were produced, and developed awareness
and promotion activities with the general public and the
school population.
It is also noteworthy that the identified geosites have
been taken into account in the recent environmental and
land use planning policies and in the review of the protected
areas of the archipelago.
It is missing to manage systematically the geological
heritage, defining measures for a proper management of
each geosite.
So, now that the inventory, characterization and
evaluation of the Azorean geological heritage are done, are
created the bases to work on a management methodology
of geological heritage of the archipelago, which given their
characteristics (size, dispersion of the islands and its genesis),
may also be adapted later to other Macaronesian archipelagos
(Madeira, Canary and Cape Verde).
Acknowledgment
This work is a contribution to the doctoral research
project “Definition of a methodology for the management of
geological heritage. An application to the Azores archipelago
(Portugal)”, Ref. M3.1.2/F/033/2011, supported by the
Science Regional Fund of the Azores Government, and cofinanced by the European Social Fund through the EU ProEmployment Program.
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Basis for the geological heritage management in the Azores

Transcription

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